Students, Pet Clinic Staff Among Those Trapped; NDRF, SDRF and Fire Teams Conduct Intensive Search Operation
Lucknow (Economy India): A massive fire broke out in a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday afternoon, triggering a large-scale rescue operation as several people, including students, were feared trapped inside the building.
The incident occurred at a building located on Usha Mehta Marg in the densely populated Aliganj locality. The structure housed a pet clinic on the ground floor and educational facilities, including a coaching and animation centre, on the upper floors.
Authorities said the blaze was reported around 3:00 PM, following which emergency services rushed to the spot. Thick smoke and rapidly spreading flames created panic among students, employees, and local residents.
Several Casualties Feared
Senior officials at the site indicated that casualties were feared, although the exact number of victims had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who visited the scene, said authorities were focused on rescuing those who might still be trapped inside the building.
“Different figures are emerging regarding the number of people who may be inside. A clear picture will emerge after the rescue operation is completed,” he said.
Officials stated that several students had already been rescued, while reports suggested that a few others could still be trapped.
Dramatic Escapes as Students Jump from Building
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as some students jumped from the building to escape the flames.
Television visuals showed at least one youth jumping from the first floor as the fire engulfed portions of the structure.
Local residents said that several students managed to escape on their own, while others were rescued by firefighters and emergency teams.
One eyewitness claimed that seven to eight students jumped from the building to save themselves, while others feared that additional students could still be inside.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
The Uttar Pradesh Fire Department deployed 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, to control the blaze.
Teams from nearby fire stations immediately reached the site with firefighting equipment. Later, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), civil defence teams, police, and medical services joined the rescue operation.
Firefighters wearing protective gear climbed the building using ladders while another rescue team attempted to enter through an adjacent building by breaking through an upper wall to access smoke-filled areas.
Officials said dense smoke continued to hamper rescue operations even after the flames were partially controlled.
Deputy Chief Minister Reviews Rescue Efforts
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said hospitals, ambulances, and medical teams had been placed on alert.
“Our priority is to safely evacuate everyone trapped inside, provide immediate medical treatment to the injured, and ensure the best possible care,” he said.
He confirmed that the building contained a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation centre on the upper floors.
Animal Casualties Reported
Animal rights activists expressed concern about the animals housed inside the pet clinic.
According to eyewitnesses, at least three animal bodies wrapped in blankets were removed from the building during rescue operations.
Animal welfare activists feared that additional animals may have been trapped inside the clinic when the fire broke out.
Smoke Hampers Search Operations
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Babloo Kumar said a few individuals had jumped from the building to escape the flames.
He stated that it remained unclear whether there had been any human fatalities.
Search operations continued inside the smoke-filled structure as firefighters checked every room, corridor, and washroom to locate anyone who might still be trapped.
Stretchers and body bags were brought to the site as rescue teams continued their work.
Investigation to Determine Cause
Officials said the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Some local residents suspected that an electrical spark may have triggered the blaze, though authorities have not officially confirmed the reason.
A detailed investigation is expected once the rescue operation is completed and the building is declared safe for inspection.
Authorities Appeal for Calm
The administration has appealed to residents to avoid spreading rumors regarding casualties and to allow rescue teams to perform their duties.
Officials said the final assessment regarding injuries, casualties, and property damage would be available after the completion of search and rescue operations.
The incident has once again raised concerns regarding fire safety measures in commercial buildings located in densely populated urban areas.
(Economy India)
